Glittering By Edsa

I got to visit the new Pulseras by Kim boutique along EDSA, Quezon City. It was a treat to see one of my favorite local jewelry brands grow and thrive. I have been their customer for two years now, and I still enjoy getting new pieces from them every now and then.

I commend them for coming up with fresh pieces and ideas even in the new normal, such as these acrylic earring holders that enable customers to “try on” without actually putting them on.

I also discovered from their staff Ate Min that all their jewelry is local. They do not import from overseas, so each piece is a labor of love by a local artisan.

I hope that you will order a Pulseras by Kim piece soon! Visit their new store or order online now.

#QuielleBaby

I have been a fan of local jewelry brand Quielle since 2018. Their quality pieces are made of either stainless steel or sterling silver, which are ideal for my acidic skin.

I love their newest personalized designs, which are the Old English name anklet and baybayin name necklace with pressed flower. I couldn’t resist them, and I ordered both of them. My pieces took a fortnight to make, and the wait was worth it. Both of them were beautiful and perfect for daily wear.

This is not a sponsored post. I am simply a fan of this local shop. With the pandemic still upon us, please consider supporting local SME’s. It would really boost our economy and help our country move forward amidst the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 virus.

Let personalized jewelry brighten up your day! God bless us all and stay safe, everyone!

65 More for QC

I dispatched 65 earsavers to the swabbing personnel of the Quezon City Health Department. I finished this batch on my birthday, and it was sent out a day after I turned 34. I hope that the frontliners who will receive these earsavers will be spared from the Covid-19 virus, and that they will remain safe as they fulfill their duties.

Please join the Earsavers for Lifesavers PH Facebook group to volunteer as a crafter, materials sponsor, or delivery angel. Every bit of help counts as we continue to motivate our healthcare frontliners as they battle the corona virus.

Let us all stay safe and healthy!

100 for Dagupan

As Metro Manila and some parts of the Philippines reverted back to Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ), I dispatched 100 earsavers to the frontliners of Villaflor Hospital at Dagupan, Pangasinan. I am delighted to still have the means to help our modern-day heroes in my own small way.

The pandemic has taught me to be resilient through crochet. I am grateful for the opportunity to use my skill to uplift our frontliners from home.

Please support Earsavers for Lifesavers Community PH by joining our Facebook page! We are still in need of crafters, delivery angels, and materals sponsors. Please support us and help our frontliners from home.

God bless us all!

50 for JRRMMC

I donated 30 earsavers to our brave frontliners at the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC) Internal Medicine department. The last photo was provided for me by Dr. Kim Acosta, one of JRRMMC’s frontline heroes.

It was fun to crochet this batch while listening to podcasts. The quarantine and Covid-19 pandemic has caused me to feel anxious and insomniac, so the crocheting definitely helped provide a sense of calm. I am hoping and praying that a cure and a vaccine will be discovered soon.

For now, I will continue crocheting earsavers for frontliners! If you also crochet, knit, or sew, please connect with Earsavers for Lifesavers PH. They also accept sponsors for deliveries and notions such as yarns and buttons.

God bless the Philippines!

50 More For VMMC

I dispatched 50 earsavers yesteday to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center Outpatient Department. They kindly shared to me the last photo in this post. I feel fulfilled that I am doing my share in helping our frontliners even while at home. I volunteer for Earsavers for Lifesavers PH, a nonprofit that aims to connect crocheters, knitters, and sewers so that we can make earsavers for our frontline heroes. The process may be tedious because everything is handmade, but the rewarding feeling is unlike any other. This project is truly the highlight of my quarantine.

If you are a crafter, or if you can sponsor deliveries of earsavers, please visit Earsavers for Lifesavers PH! Help frontliners feel more comfortable while battling Covid-19 today!

Earsavers for VMMC

I sent 50 earsavers yesterday to the dialysis unit of Veterans Memorial Medical Center. My high school friend Helen is a frontliner there. As a nurse, she explained to me that they are already using band aids to relieve the pain caused by the garter in face masks. It made me happy that this batch of earsavers went to her team, and that I was able to serve a hospital in my neighborhood.

I am still volunteering as a crocheter for Earsavers for Lifesavers PH. If you can crochet, knit or sew, please consider making earsavers for our frontline heroes. You may also sponsor deliveries to hospitals.

May God bless all our frontliners and may we find a vaccine and cure to Covid-19 soon!

Carrying On

I just finished crocheting a batch of fifty earsavers for World Citi Medical Center. I volunteer for Earsavers for Lifesavers PH, a nonprofit focused on bringing crocheters and knitters together to craft earsavers for frontliners. Just like my first batch of donations, I used the pattern by the talented AmiEriCrafts.

I learned through crocheting several earsavers that establishing good habits has prepared me for the pandemic. Even before the lockdown, I was used to crocheting while in a meeting, commuting, or watching movies. I was never idle. Now that I am under quarantine, I am still crocheting both to help our frontliners and to decompress in between completed batches of earsavers.

I am also used to multitasking. I am still able to squeeze in some work in between crocheting for my Human Nature online shop (please support by clicking here!) and freelance writing job. I am also an avid listener of podcasts while working and crafting. Indeed, I am trained for the quarantine.

I do look forward to the day that this lockdown will be lifted. For now, I am enjoying the privilege to serve our frontliners from home.

May we all thrive during this difficult but educational time!

Battle Crafter

I decided to make more earsavers. I do not know for sure how many I can finish with my limited yarn supply, but I am trying to make more. Our frontliners need them to prevent their ears from becoming irritated by the garters in medical-grade masks. I am amazed that something so small works wonders to boost the morale of our tired doctors and nurses. If I can make more earsavers to cheer up our heroic frontliners, then i will do so.

It is interesting that crocheting and knitting for our frontliners in the age of Covid-19 is similar to Knitting for Victory during World War !!. We are battling an unseen virus now, so we must all do our share to ease the burden that our frontliners are carrying. We can all do more good if we will work together.

Now is not the time to stay negative and fight amongst each other. Instead, let us all help our frontliners win the war against Covid-19. To be a delivery sponsor or crafter of earsavers, please message Earsavers for Lifesavers.

God bless us all!

Hooking for Frontliners

Yesterday, I delivered 113 earsavers to frontliners. I crocheted these bands to prevent ears from being irritated by the garter of medical-grade face masks. Our health care workers on the frontline are already overburdened as it is. Little things such as these earsavers can go a long way in providing comfort and cheer during this pandemic.

I am working with Earsavers for Lifesavers PH, a nonprofit that aims to pool together crocheters and knitters to make earsavers for our frontline heroes. There are knit and crochet patterns written by the talented fiber artist Amiericrafts on her Facebook page. She also has a pattern for buttons to close the loop on these bands.

Please help us make more earsavers for our modern-day heroes as they fight Covid-19! Visit Earsavers for Lifesavers PH today to volunteer as a crocheter/knitter, delivery angel, or to request for earsavers if you work at a hospital.

God bless us all!

Frontline Hero Bear

I finished crocheting this Frontline Hero bear the other day. The pattern is by Aixan Legasto, a Filipina crochet pattern writer who is better known as Yarn It, Darn It. The design has since gone viral around the world, and crocheters are enjoying this amigurumi while under quarantine.

I personally loved the challenge of stitching this bear together in a span of two days. Like all crocheters at the moment, I made do with what I had at home. I used some leftover yarn from previous projects. Luckily, it was enough for me to finish this project.

I am rooting for all frontliners who bravely put their lives at risk to keep us all safe! To crochet your own Frontline Hero bear, please download the free pattern here and tag Yarn it, Darn It when posting photos of your finished dolls online. Stay safe, everyone!

Blue for A Cause

I got to support another fundraising effort for those in need during the pandemic. I ordered this lotus ring from handmade jewelry instructor and artist Thingamabobs Art Jewelry. I chose blue chalcedony as its center stone, and it will be set in brass. Because of its bespoke nature, it will be made after the lifting of the enhanced community quarantine. I really do not mind this, because I have a weakness for handmade anything.

This was part of Soulflower, Co.’s Lingap Fund Sale, wherein proceeds will be donated to Lingap Pangkabataan. The NGO is in need of funding during the pandemic. It is still ongoing, so do check out this fundraising endeavor. You will be able to get first dibs on the best local handmade leather craft and jewelry, and help a nonprofit rise above the pandemic.

I hope that you will also support our frontliners and those in need while we are all under quarantine. Being separated does not mean that we are not united in helping others. Together, we can make a bigger impact. Someday, all our efforts will pay off and we will be able to rise again.

Let us help others while we wait for a cure or a vaccine for Covid-19!

Stitching Home

I have been knitting scarves again since the community quarantine has been extended to April 30th. My yarn supply is running low, and I crochet fast. Knitting has regulated my crafting pace and also, helped me conserve my yarn.

Knitting at home has helped me process my feelings during this quarantine. I felt grief for the recent death of my loved ones, especially now that I am unable to visit their graves. I thought things through as far as relationships and friendships are concerned. I felt blessed that I am healthy and safe at home. And I felt thankful to have hobbies to keep my mind alert and preoccupied.

Stitching these scarves together has also helped me realized that home is a feeling, rather than a place. Someday, when this quarantine is already lifted, I will still continue knitting and crocheting. This is home for me.

Basket of Happiness

I just finished crocheting this basket made out of fabric yarn from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. I used a 9mm hook, and I hooked this together in a span of two days.

Being under quarantine can have its ups and downs. The highlight of my day is crocheting, because it is honestly relaxing and soothing. The low point of being at home the whole day is the solitude. I am an only child with a few real friends, so I really miss seeing other people. I have also come to realize that I am an outdoor person after all. I love commuting and walking around the busy streets of Manila.

I simply miss the outside world.

Since I finished this basket, I realized that I am lucky to be safe at home. I am fortunate to be able to work on four different knit and crochet projects while in my room. This basket was not exactly kind to my hands, as the fabric yarn and metal hook caused my hands to ache. Thus, this is a one-off project. I am using it to hold the other works-in-progress that I have on my needles and hooks.

There is something magical about finishing a project and setting a hook or a pair of needles free. Now that I am done with this basket, I can live in the moment and appreciate the projects that I can make at home. This may be a lockdown, but I have every reason to be happy where I am safe and sound.

Crocheting Mood

I just finished crocheting this infinity scarf using yarns from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. It was satisfying to work on this while I am on quarantine.

I watched movies and listened to podcasts while working on it. It was uplifting to get information while I am stuck at home. Or rather, safe at home.

Crochet has helped me maintain a cheerful mood while being alone in my room. Having a scarf to hook together kept me optimistic. I have a new project to work on next, and I know that I will approach it with the same fervor. Until this quarantine period is over, you will find me making scarves that make me happy.

Borealis Heart

Borealis Crystals is a homegrown jewelry brand that I love. Here are a few reasons why this shop keeps me coming back for more:

• It is PWD-owned and managed

• Most of their jewelry, especially the bespoke ones, are locally handmade using quality materials

• Their online platform allows them to price their bling fairly

• They offer bespoke orders which may take time to make, but will definitely be worth your money

• Every purchase helps a PWD family and their artisans continue their craft and business

I am so into this garnet and sterling silver ring which I purchased from Borealis Crystals. It is not my first purchase, and once again, I am one happy customer. The ring looks and feels more expensive than it really is. They used materials to give it a premium vibe, which also works with my vintage aesthetic.

This is not a sponsored post, and I am simply a satisfied customer and fan. Please check out Borealis Crystals’ Instagram page and order a bauble or two soon! You won’t regret it.

Coral Shawl

I just finished crocheting this shawl using Lion Brand Shawl in a Ball Yarn in community coral. I purchased it from The Attic Yarn and Craftery.

I crocheted my first shawl earlier this month, and I did fulfill my promise to myself that I will make another one. This time, I followed a different pattern which was easier to follow. I think I will use it to create subsequent shawls as it is simply a two-row repeat pattern.

Crafting reinforces my confidence. I hope that you will also find a hobby that will give you joy and strength.

Zapateria 2019

Yesterday, I joined a bag-making workshop at Zapateria Marikina. I was mentored by Mariel Manalansan, a KL-based Filipino leather craftsman and teacher.

I enjoyed the workshop, and I was able to make my own shoulder bag! I met new friends, got to eat delicious tapsilog at Tapsi Ni Vivian, and support my grade school classmate Unyx’s creative co-working hub. It was a privilege to make something by hand and explore the shoemaking capital of the Philippines.

My creative journey has only just begun!

Weave and Woofs

Yesterday, I had a weaving brunch with my fellow workshoppers under The Art of Yarn. We ate at Motto Motto, a Japanese restaurant at Serendra. It was lovely to catch-up with our weaving teacher Judith and meet new friends, such as Tisha of Why Knot Craft. I enjoyed the experience, and I loved my chicken tocino and flat white.

After my brunch with the ladies, I proceeded to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe to hug my furry friends.

I had a wonderful Saturday filled with craft and dogs. There is joy in yarn and fur!

I Shawl Return

Yesterday, I just finished crocheting my first shawl. I followed a pattern on Youtube, and purchased the yarn and hook online from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. This is proof that technology and a traditional handicraft can coexist. Online shopping for notions and tutorials have worked for me to improve as a crocheter and become more passionate for the craft.

While most people encourage me to take on more advanced projects such as cardigans and amigurumi, I have happily carried on with scarves because I enjoy crocheting while reading, listening to podcasts, and watching movies. It is quite challenging to follow a pattern while engaging in another pastime. Since multitasking is the way I go, I prefer to work freestyle and enjoy more hobbies in the process.

This is why this shawl is remarkable for me. While it is imperfect, I have followed a pattern from beginning to end. It was admittedly less fun than crocheting while listening to a comedy podcast. However, I realized that I can still follow directions and upskill in a digital medium.

I still have a lot of room to grow, and it is comforting to know that I can make something that it is intricately instructed. I have restored my faith in myself thanks to this shawl.

This won’t be the last pattern I will follow. For now, I am beginning a new scarf using the same hook but a totally new ball of yarn.

Here’s to new skills and beginnings!